Chest protector system and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An attachment structure for selective attachment to a chest protector that includes a neck portion and opposing side portions. The attachment structure comprising a pad element, at least one strap and at least one upper strap. Each strap selectively extends around a respective side portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a rear side of the strap. The upper strap extends over the neck portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a front side of the upper strap. The attachment element on the upper strap selectively engages with the attachment element on each strap to secure the attachment structure to the chest protector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/675,614, filed May 23, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a chest protector system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a padding element that is selectively attachable to a chest protector.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Various types of chest protectors for baseball and softball catchers, lacrosse players, hockey players, and the like, are well known in the sporting goods industry. Generally, as shown in prior art FIG. 1, chest protectors 1 are comprised of a main padded portion 5 shaped to overlay the wearer's chest and abdomen. The main padded portion 5 is designed to protect the wearer from being injured by the impact of a ball. Shoulder portions 10A and 10B extend upwardly from the main padded portion 5 to protect the wearer's shoulders, creating a neck portion 15 therebetween. The main padded portion 5 of known chest protectors 1 is secured to the wearer by a plurality of straps 20. Typically, a set of straps 20A and 20B extend over the wearer's shoulders, with one such strap 20 extending from each of the shoulder portions 10A and 10B. Another set of straps 20C and 20D extend from respective sides 25A and 25B of the main padded portion 5, around the wearer's sides. The two sets of straps, 20A and 20B and 20C and 20D, extend to the wearer's back where the straps are secured to one another.

However, standards for such chest protectors 1 may differ from league to league, or even from year to year as rules change. Similarly, the speed at which pitches are thrown can increase greatly as a player advances in level. In either case, a chest protector 1 that was suitable for a specific league, under a certain set of rules, involving players of certain skill levels may not be sufficient in a different league, or under a different set of rules, or with players of a higher skill level.

Accordingly, there is a need for a chest protector system and apparatus that allow for differing levels of protection and energy attenuation without resorting to the purchase of an entirely new chest protector 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an example embodiment, an attachment structure is provided for selective attachment to a chest protector that includes a neck portion and opposing side portions. The attachment structure comprising a pad element, at least one strap and at least one upper strap. Each strap selectively extends around a respective side portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a rear side of the strap. The upper strap extends over the neck portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a front side of the upper strap. The attachment element on the upper strap selectively engages with the attachment element on each strap to secure the attachment structure to the chest protector.

In an alternative embodiment, a chest protector system is provided, and includes a chest protector with a neck portion and opposing side portions. The chest protector system also includes an attachment structure that comprises a pad element, at least one strap, and at least one upper strap. Each strap selectively extends around a respective side portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a rear side of the strap. The upper strap extends over the neck portion of the chest protector, and includes an attachment element on a front side of the upper strap. The attachment element on the upper strap selectively engages with the attachment element on each strap to secure the attachment structure to the chest protector.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a prior art chest protector;

FIG. 2 is front perspective view of an example embodiment of an attachment structure for selective engagement with a prior art chest protector;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the attachment structure of FIG. 2 engaging with the prior art chest protector of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the attachment structure of FIG. 2, as beginning to engage with the prior art chest protector of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the attachment structure of FIG. 2, as partially engaged with the prior art chest protector of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the attachment structure of FIG. 2, as engaged with the prior art chest protector of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the attachment structure of FIG. 2, as partially engaged with the reverse side of the prior art chest protector of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the attachment structure of FIG. 2, as engaged with the reverse side of the prior art chest protector of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 2 illustrates an attachment structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment. The attachment element 100 includes a pad element 105 having opposing ends 110A and 110B. Opposing straps 115A and 115B extend from the opposing ends 110A and 110B, one from each side. An upper strap 120 extends from an upper portion 125 of the pad element 105 and a bottom (not illustrated). Straps 115A, 115B, and 120 may attach to the pad element 105 in any known manner. As non-limiting examples, such straps 115A, 115B, and 120 may be sewn or glued directly to the pad element 105, or they may extend through slots 130 in the pad element 105 as shown in FIG. 2. Slots 130 may allow for loosening or tightening of the straps, as would be known in the art.

Each strap 115A, 115B, and 120 may have a front side 135 and a back side 140. In the embodiment illustrated, an attachment element 145 is located along the back side 140 of each opposing strap 115A, 115B, toward a distal end 150 thereof. In a non-limiting example, attachment elements 145 may be hook or loop fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastening system, or male or female ends of a snap, or the like. However, in other embodiments, different attachment elements can be used, such as buckles or clips or the like. Such alternative attachment elements 145 are preferably positioned at the distal end 150 of such opposing straps 115A, 115B, such that they are not necessarily positioned on the back side 140 thereof.

Similarly, as illustrated, along the front side 135 of the upper strap 120 is another attachment element 155 (not visible in FIG. 1, but illustrated in FIG. 4 discussed below), toward a distal end 160 thereof. In a non-limiting example, attachment element 155 may be hook or loop fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastening system, or male or female ends of a snap, or buckles or clips, or the like—whichever is the compliment of attachment elements 145, so that attachment elements 145 can engage with attachment element 155. As noted above, such attachment element 155 may be positioned near the distal end 160 of the upper strap 120, or may be at the distal end 160 such that it is not positioned on the front side 135 thereof.

FIGS. 3-5 show the general positioning of the attachment structure 100 with respect to a prior art chest protector 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of the chest protector 1 and the attachment 100, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are rear views of the same. As can be seen, the upper strap 120 extends up and over the neck portion 15 of the chest protector 1. As illustrated, the front side 135 of the upper strap 120, on which the attachment element 155 is positioned, then faces rearward (as can be seen in FIG. 4). Similarly, the opposing straps 115A and 115B extend around the respective sides 25A and 25B of the chest protector 1. The back sides 140 of the opposing straps 115A and 115B, on which the attachment elements 145 are positioned as illustrated, then face forward toward the attachment element 150 on the upper strap 120 (as shown in FIG. 5). This allows the opposing straps 115A and 115B to selectively engage with the upper strap 120 to hold the attachment structure 100 in place on the chest protector 1. As will be understood, different positioning of attachment elements 145 and 155 may result in more, less, or no overlap between the opposing straps 115A and 115B and the upper strap 120.

FIG. 6 illustrates the attachment structure 100 as engaged with the chest protector 1. It will be understood that the attachment structure 100 of the chest protector 1 may be positioned on the front of the chest protector 1 (with the straps 115A, 115B, 120 connecting in the back of the chest protector 1), or on the back of the chest protector 1 (with the straps 115A, 115B, 120 connecting on the front of the chest protector 1), as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In another alternative embodiment, one or more straps may include hooks or other engagement structures for attaching directly to the sides 25A, 25B of the chest protector 1, and/or to the neck portion 15. Alternatively, any such hooks or other engagement structures could secure the attachment structure 100 directly to the sides 25A, 25B of the chest protector 1, and/or to the neck portion 15, without the use of any or as many straps 115A, 115B, 120.

When positioned on the chest protector 1, the attachment structure 100 absorbs and thereby reduces the amount of force transmitted to the wearer. The pad element 105 of the attachment structure 100 preferably includes energy attenuating foam or other mechanical system to attenuate force transmission therethrough. By selectively positioning the attachment structure 100 on the prior art chest protector 1, the wearer can choose when additional protection is warranted and when it is not. Doing so avoids the purchase of entirely new chest protectors 1.

The attachment mechanism 100 may include a non-skid surface, such as rubber or the like, to keep the attachment mechanism 100 from shifting undesirably during use. Additionally, although a size/shape/position for the attachment mechanism 100 is shown in the drawings, it will be understood that different sizes, shapes, and positioning are also envisioned. For example, rather than merely adding protection to the upper chest of a wearer, the attachment mechanism 100 could extend farther down the chest protector 1, or farther up the shoulders, or the like. Similarly, the attachment mechanism 100 could secure to the chest protector 1 using mechanisms other than straps 115A, 115B, and 120, or with more or fewer straps. Clips, buttons, or any other suitable attachment mechanism may be used. Straps 115A, 115B, and 120 may be made from an elastic material, or a non-stretch material such as leather, or the like.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the various embodiments of the present invention are well adapted to attain all the objectives and advantages hereinabove set forth together with still other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the present structures. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations of the present embodiments are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Since many possible embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, it is also to be understood that all disclosures herein set forth or illustrated in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. The various constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts, principles and scope of the present invention.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required.”

Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present constructions will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An attachment structure for selective attachment to a chest protector, the chest protector having a neck portion and opposing side portions, the attachment structure comprising: a pad element; at least one strap for extending around at least one of said side portions of the chest protector, said at least one strap including an attachment element on a rear side of the at least one strap; at least one upper strap for extending over the neck portion of the chest protector, said at least one upper strap including an attachment element on a front side of the at least one upper strap, wherein the attachment element on the at least one upper strap selectively engages with the attachment element on the at least one strap.
 2. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the pad element is selectively attachable to a front side of the chest protector.
 3. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the pad element is selectively attachable to a rear side of the chest protector.
 4. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the attachment element of the at least one strap is one of a hook and a loop fastener of a hook-and-loop fastening system.
 5. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the attachment element of the at least one upper strap is one of a hook and a loop fastener of a hook-and-loop fastening system.
 6. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap and the at least one upper strap are attached to the pad element via slots in the pad element.
 7. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap and the at least one upper strap are adjustable.
 8. A chest protector system comprising: a chest protector having a neck portion and opposing side portions; a pad element; at least one strap for extending around at least one of said side portions of the chest protector, said at least one strap including an attachment element on a rear side of the at least one strap; at least one upper strap for extending over the neck portion of the chest protector, said at least one upper strap including an attachment element on a front side of the at least one upper strap, wherein the attachment element on the at least one upper strap selectively engages with the attachment element on the at least one strap to selectively secure the pad element to the chest protector.
 9. The chest protector system of claim 8, wherein the pad element is selectively attachable to a front side of the chest protector.
 10. The chest protector system of claim 8, wherein the pad element is selectively attachable to a rear side of the chest protector.
 11. The chest protector system of claim 8, wherein the attachment element of the at least one strap is one of a hook and a loop fastener of a hook-and-loop fastening system.
 12. The chest protector system of claim 8, wherein the attachment element of the at least one upper strap is one of a hook and a loop fastener of a hook-and-loop fastening system.
 13. The chest protector system of claim 8, wherein the at least one strap and the at least one upper strap are attached to the pad element via slots in the pad element.
 14. The chest protector system of claim 8, wherein the at least one strap and the at least one upper strap are adjustable.
 15. An attachment structure for selective attachment to a chest protector, the chest protector having a neck portion and opposing side portions, the attachment structure comprising: a pad element; at least one side attachment element for selectively engaging with at least one of said side portions of the chest protector; or at least one upper attachment element for selectively engaging with the neck portion of the chest protector.
 16. The attachment structure of claim 15, wherein the pad element is selectively attachable to a front side of the chest protector.
 17. The attachment structure of claim 15, wherein the pad element is selectively attachable to a rear side of the chest protector.
 18. The attachment structure of claim 15, wherein the attachment element of the at least one strap is one of a hook and a loop fastener of a hook-and-loop fastening system.
 19. The attachment structure of claim 15, wherein the attachment element of the at least one upper strap is one of a hook and a loop fastener of a hook-and-loop fastening system.
 20. The attachment structure of claim 15, wherein the at least one strap and the at least one upper strap are attached to the pad element via slots in the pad element. 